11. Kaylani
Chapter 11
Kaylani
P ulling into the familiar parking lot of Sterling Hospital, a wave of nerves washes over me. I cut the engine and linger for a moment, my grip tight on the steering wheel. The scent of my car and the worn leather under my fingers bring a strange sense of comfort amidst the chaos. Creed's thoughtful gestures, retrieving both my car and my phone from Sully's Diner, remind me that I'm not alone in this turmoil.
My mind races with a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions as I sit there. The past few days have been a blur, a chaotic mix of fear, desperation, and grief. The memories of Adam's attack are still fresh, his sinister grin and malicious words haunting my every thought. Even now, I can feel the ghost of his touch, sending shivers down my spine.
The physical bruises might be fading, but the emotional scars run deep, leaving me feeling vulnerable and exposed. I haven't gotten much sleep and it’s weighing heavily on me.
Bex.
The thought of her sends a pang of sorrow through my heart. My best friend ripped away from me. With everything else overshadowing my loss, I haven't had the chance to grieve properly. But the ache is there, a constant reminder of the void her absence has left in my life. A void Vaughn and Creed have started to fill.
Now, as Vaughn confronts his own demons, I feel a tug-of-war inside me. Guilt gnaws at my insides as I think about how I should be there with him, offering the same unwavering support he’s selflessly given me. But I couldn’t go to him, if I had, he'd never have let me come here alone. Not like Creed did.
Creed's been my goofy rock, his antics and support a steady presence in the chaos. Despite the tension between them, I yearn to bring them back together, to mend what's broken between them. But it's complicated with hurt feelings and pride standing in the way.
We're stronger together. Somehow, some way, we'll find our way back to each other. But for now, I must face my own demons, just as Vaughn faces his. Only then can we truly heal, individually and as a pack.
My phone buzzes insistently from the passenger seat, the screen lighting up with messages from Creed and Vaughn. I unlock the phone, using it as an excuse to delay facing the uncertainty ahead.
"Triple Threat," I read aloud, snorting at the name. "You're such a dork, Creed," I murmur, but the name is fitting. I begin to read over the texts I've missed.
Triple Threat
Creed:
Did you make it there okay, tiny?
Vaughn:
Make it where?
Vaughn:
Where are you, doll?
Vaughn:
I swear if you went back to that fucking apartment alone...
Creed:
Dude, chill. She went to see Brina to get checked out.
Vaughn:
Checked out? Why didn't anyone tell me?
Creed:
I'm telling you now. Relax, she’s safe.
I sigh at their arguing, my fingers flying over the screen as I tap out a response.
Boys, boys, calm down. I'm fine. Just getting checked out.
No need to fight over me.
Creed:
See, Vaughn? She's fine.
Creed:
Fight over you? No tiny, I'm totally down to share ;)
Vaughn:
I just want to make sure you're okay, doll. That's all.
Vaughn:
I should be there with you.
I smile at the screen. They both responded exactly how I thought they would. Creed playfully flirted back, and Vaughn was earnest and protective as always.
Creed:
And do what exactly? Hover over her like a mother hen?
Vaughn:
Fuck you, Creed.
Despite their differences, they both care deeply about me, each in their own unique way. But navigating the complexities of their relationship, and my own feelings towards them, is a challenge I'm not sure how to tackle. For now, I'll focus on getting through this appointment with Brina and finding some semblance of closure for Bex's sake.
I roll my eyes at their bickering. Part of me does wish Vaughn would show up here, even if it was just to sit in the waiting room with me. But I shut down that thought as I quickly type out a response.
Vaughn, I appreciate the concern, but I'm good. Creed stop antagonizing him already
Not wanting to hurt Vaughns feelings, I shoot off another text.
I'll keep you posted.
I hit send before closing the chat, slipping the phone into my pocket as I gather the courage to finally step out of the car and into the hospital. Taking a deep breath, I try to steady the whirlwind inside me. I'm here today to take care of myself, to make sure I'm physically okay. I glance around the parking lot, the hospital looming over me.
This is the first step, I remind myself. Not just for me, but for Bex and to let Brina know that I'm okay.
I hesitate, gripping the steering wheel tightly for a moment longer. You can do this. You need to do this. For closure. For them. For yourself.
With another deep breath, I push the car door open and step out, feeling the cool air against my skin. Each step toward the hospital entrance feels heavy, but I force myself to keep moving. This is the first step, I repeat silently. One step at a time.
A small step towards reclaiming control over my life. I feel a mix of apprehension and determination. The road ahead is uncertain, and undoubtedly filled with challenges, but I'm not facing it alone. I have Creed, Vaughn, and the support of those who care about me.
As I walk towards the entrance, I force myself to take deep, steady breaths. Today is about taking back control, about starting the healing process. It won't be easy, but I can do this. One step at a time.
As I step into the sterile white corridors of Sterling Hospital, the familiar scent of antiseptic fills my nostrils, bringing back memories of countless visits over the years. Brina is waiting for me at the reception desk, her eyes widening with concern as she spots me.
"My god, Kaylani!" she exclaims, rushing across the room to my side. "What happened?"
I manage a weak smile, trying to ease her worry. "It's a long story, Brina," I say softly, allowing her to lead me deeper into the hospital.
She nods, her expression filled with understanding. "Well, let's get you checked out," she says, her voice soothing. I follow her down the corridors, the sound of my footsteps echoing against the tiled floors. Brina leads me into a small examination room, gesturing for me to take a seat on the bed.
"Alright, Kaylani," she says, her tone gentle, yet authoritative. "Let's start from the beginning. Tell me everything."
Taking in the space, I notice the neatly made hospital bed, the clinical smell of disinfectant lingering in the air—typical of any medical facility. Brina sits behind the desk, her posture both poised and concerned as she waits for me to begin.
I swallow hard, my voice barely a whisper. "Adam," I manage to say, my jaw clenched as I try to hold back the tears threatening to spill. "He... he hurt me, Brina."
Brina's eyes widen with concern. "Oh, Kaylani. You need to go to the police!" she exclaims urgently, her voice filled with horror.
I shake my head slowly, my mind clouded by fear. "I can't," I reply, my voice trembling. "He's dangerous. He's done... terrible things, Brina."
Brina's expression softens, her gaze filled with empathy. "Kaylani, you can't keep this to yourself," she says gently, her voice unwavering. "The police need to know. You need to be safe."
I let out a bitter laugh, my voice filling with frustration and despair. "Adam has the authority in his back pocket. His mother controls this whole town. They arrested Hux. Going to them wouldn't get me far; they'd probably just cover it up or make things worse for me."
Brina's face falls, realization dawning in her eyes. "Oh, Kay," she whispers, her voice thick with worry. "Just think about it okay? They need to be exposed to the whole city."
"I know," I say, my voice barely a whisper. "But I can't risk anyone else I love getting hurt."
As the words leave my mouth, a wave of clarity washes over me. I'm not just thinking about myself anymore. Creed, Vaughn, Hux—they've become my pack. My family. The thought of them getting hurt because of me chills me to the bone.
She reaches out, taking my hand in hers. "We'll figure something out," she promises, her grip firm and reassuring. "There has to be a way. But you can't do this alone. Let me help you."
I nod, squeezing her hand. "Thank you, Brina," I murmur. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
Tears well up in my eyes as I consider her words. "I'm scared though, Brina," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. "What if... what if he comes after me again?"
Brina takes my hand in hers, her touch reassuring. "We'll make sure you're safe, Kaylani," she says firmly, her eyes locked with mine. "But we need to take action. Tell the police what he did to you, get it on record."
I nod slowly, a mixture of fear and resolve stirring within me. "Okay," I whisper, my voice filled with uncertainty.
Brina gives my hand a gentle squeeze. "I'll help you, Kaylani," she says, her voice filled with determination.
Guilt turns my stomach. "Brina, there's something else," I say, my gaze fixated on the carpet. "It's about Bex," my voice trembles. "She's... Gone, Sabrina."
Horror dawns on Brina's face, her features contorting with shock and fear. "No, it can't be..." she trails off, unable to comprehend the enormity of what I'm saying.
Tears stream down my cheeks as I nod solemnly. "I found out... Michelle Sterling confessed," I choke out, my voice filled with sorrow. "She killed Bex, Sabrina."
Brina gasps, her hand flying to her mouth. "Oh, my baby," she whispers, her eyes welling up with tears. "Rebecca." She sobs, her hands muffling the sound.
"It's my fault, Brina," I admit. "I couldn't save her. I'm so sorry."
Brina pulls me close, her arms wrapping around me in a tight embrace. My injuries ache, but I need her hug too much to care.
"It's not your fault, Kaylani," she says softly. But how can she say that?
"If I hadn't gone to The Omega Den that night, she would still be here," I counter.
"No honey. It's mine," her voice catches in her throat and her eyes widen with guilt, tears welling up in them. "Kaylani, I'm so sorry," she confesses, her voice filled with remorse.
"I thought, since he's your alpha," her voice trails off. "I didn't realize… he would do something like this."
"It's my fault for introducing you to Adam," she explains, her voice trembling. "I thought I was helping you find someone strong, someone who could protect you. I never imagined he was capable of such cruelty. When you mentioned your fears about him, I thought it was just a misunderstanding. I didn't realize the extent of his control and manipulation."
The weight of her words settles over me, and the pieces start to fall into place. "You mean you told Adam where I was that night at the Den?" I ask, the realization hitting me. I pull back slightly, my gaze searching hers. "Brina... why?" I manage to say, my voice barely a whisper. I can't believe I ever thought it was Creed who told his brother.
She nods, her tears flowing freely now. "I thought he would come and help you, not... take my little girl. I’m so sorry, Kaylani. I never wanted this for either of you. I look at you like a daughter and I thought I was helping. I'm so sorry honey."
I take a shaky breath, the anger and betrayal mixing with the understanding that she never intended to cause harm. "Brina, you didn't know," I say, my voice softening. "You were trying to look out for me. None of us knew what he was truly like."
Bex did. But I shake my head free of those thoughts.
"But it doesn't change what happened," she whispers, guilt heavy in her voice.
"No, it doesn't," I agree, my heart aching. "But blaming ourselves won't bring her back. You couldn't have known he'd do this to me, or her," I say softly, reaching out to grasp her hand.
Brina shakes, her eyes brimming with tears. "I promise, Kaylani. I'm here for you," she says, her voice once more filled with determination.
As Brina pulls away slightly, she shifts into nurse mode, her training taking over. "Let me take care of you," she says gently, her voice soothing. "You need rest and something to eat."
I manage a weak smile, grateful for her calm presence amidst the chaos of my emotions. "Thank you," I reply, my voice barely above a whisper.
Brina rises to her feet, her movements purposeful as she gathers a few items from her bag. She returns a few moments later, offering me a reassuring smile before turning to the task at hand. I watch her movements with a mix of gratitude and exhaustion, knowing that her care is exactly what I need in this vulnerable moment.
She covers me with a blanket, smiling softly down at me. "Here, take this," she says gently, offering me a small tablet. "It's your heat suppressant. The stress of everything that's happened might be making your body react more intensely. This will help you relax and get some rest." She won’t look at me, her eyes cast down to the floor as she speaks.
I take the tablet from her, my fingers trembling slightly. "Thank you," I say softly, my voice barely above a whisper.
As I swallow the tablet with a sip of water, a sudden thought crosses my mind. "Brina, why is the tablet white?" I ask, my brow furrowing in confusion. "I thought it was supposed to be pink."
Brina pauses, her expression calm and reassuring. "It's the same medication, don't worry. These can be taken as needed. I thought you might want them more often after everything," she says.
I nod, feeling a wave of relief wash over me at her explanation. "Oh, okay," I murmur, trusting her words.
After Brina's comforting reassurance, I allow myself to relax as she proceeds with the examination. The clinical atmosphere of the hospital room, with its sterile white walls and the faint smell of antiseptic, offers a stark contrast to the chaos of my thoughts. Brina's gentle movements and soothing voice guide me through the process, her professionalism a beacon of stability in my tumultuous world.
As the examination concludes, Brina steps back, her expression thoughtful. "You're doing well, Kaylani," she says, her tone warm with encouragement. "Just make sure to take it easy for a while."
I nod gratefully, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. "Thank you, Brina," I reply, offering her a small smile.
As I gather my things and prepare to leave, I catch a glimpse of movement out of the corner of my eye. Turning slightly, I see Stacy emerging from a staff lounge down the hall. My heart skips a beat, a rush of unease flooding through me.
Stacy's eyes widen in surprise as she spots me, her expression momentarily faltering before she quickly regains her composure. "Kaylani," she greets me with forced cheerfulness, though there's an underlying tension in her voice.
What is she doing here?
Before I can voice my thoughts, Brina steps forward, breaking the tense silence. "Kaylani, I'll see you out," she says, her tone gentle yet firm.
I nod in acknowledgment, casting one last glance at Stacy before following Brina out of the room. As we make our way down the hallway, I can't shake the feeling that something is amiss. And with each step, that knot of uncertainty tightens in my chest.